folktale

Definition of folktalenext
as in tale
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of folktale The body horror of birth gives way to the fairy-tale horror of early motherhood, which McBride, a translator based in Barcelona, strews with literary Easter eggs from folktales and Victorian poetry. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Pritam invokes the 18th-century Punjabi Sufi poet Waris Shah, whose version of the Punjabi folktale Heer retells the tragic love story of Heer and Ranjha. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Disney made its name on the back of fairy and folktales, retelling centuries-old stories and giving them a fresh new spin for modern audiences. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 Irving may have been influenced by German folktales about a man who slept for 20 years, or European stories of terrifying headless riders, but these stories were set in rural New York state, with a distinctly American voice and references. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for folktale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktale
Noun
  • Amused, the actor offered a gentle lesson in mixing the perfect vodka and orange juice—just one of countless tales this legendary hotel has collected over nearly a century.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • From this banal beginning, Gray launches a tale of fear and violence, criminal conspiracies and paranoia.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Dolly Parton was another popular choice, with several attendees channeling the country music legend in elaborate costumes.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
  • New York Mets legend Jerry Koosman died Sunday at age 83, the team announced.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Long story short, campers stay warmer on cold nights and cooler on hot nights without a loud, emissions-spewing engine or generator running in the background.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • While two of the three semifinalists had a base camp here, and international stars like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham lived in Kansas City, the biggest story arguably was what happened west of town.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For a young country, the United States is overblessed – or burdened – with myths about its foundation and how the nation has conducted itself at home and abroad.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The company said much of India’s mainstream horror keeps returning to the same supernatural staples and predictable beats, even though the country’s myths, folk tales and local beliefs offer far richer material.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In the Division 3 final, Corona del Mar outlasted Newbury Park 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 15-13 to capture its first section title in 22 years and the eighth in program history.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • California has a rich and varied history — and San Jose is the oldest civilian community in the state.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The question will be whether the honeymoon turns into a longer romance.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • For all of North of North’s affection for slow-burn romance and willingness to objectify Ice Cove’s hottest citizens, the Siaja-Neevee relationship is the core of the show, and the season embraces its tumultuousness and tenderness with deep feeling.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Folktale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktale. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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